(no subject)

[sadhe-sati.livejournal.com]

hey everyone,
I got these free samples of OB tampons (the non-applicator kind)... My mom has told me that these are VERY dangerous because there's no applicator and there's germs on your hands that are linked to TSS... But they wouldn't sell them if they're really that dangerous, right? Maybe I'm just extremely naive..heh.. Well if anyone has any info on this issue pleaase help!

Comments

[agent-orange.livejournal.com]

Well, I hope not... because those are the kind I use.

[gaijina.livejournal.com]

So far as I know, you should be safe (someone please correct me if I'm wrong!)... there is bacteria everywhere and finger or applicator, there's the chance to put it into your body. But definitely wash your hands before you insert, and don't leave it in longer than it says on the box-- *that's* when you have a real TSS/bacterial vaginosis/etc. risk!

[amylynn.livejournal.com]

I think someone told your mom that to keep her from masturbating :)
OB tampons aren't any more dangerous than any others. If you're worried, wash your hands before putting them in.
I much preferred those when I used tampons, 'cause I could get them into exactly the right spot, so they were more comfortable. I've since switched to the Keeper, though :)
-amy

[yellowrosetx.livejournal.com]

Every package of o.b.s comes with a leaflet about TSS. Applicator or not, bacteria can be present. As was advised by others, wash your hands before and after inserting a tampon, applicator or nonapplicator type.

[vampodrama.livejournal.com]

I've been using the non-applicator ones for ages, and to be honest, I can't even imagine using applicators... *shivers*
I honestly don't think they can be dangerous in any way, as long as you wash your hands and follow any other hygiene advice ever given :)

info

[scarlett75.livejournal.com]

OB tampons are no more dangerous than any other tampon. If your mom is worried about it, tell her to ask her own ob/gyn at her next visit. There was a scare, when OB tampons first came out, because there was a *slightly* higher risk of people getting TSS, but I don't think anyone ever PROVED the connection. You run a risk of developing TSS with ANY tampon. So, the advice given above is sage... wash your hands well before insertion, change frequently (don't go more than 6-8 hours without changing), don't use super-absorbency unless you need it, and...this is the biggie...if you can use pads while you're sleeping, you can cut your risk quite a bit.

[the-marionette.livejournal.com]

Well, you should be washing your hands before you insert a tampon anyway. Do use OB, I find that they're more comfortable and do a better job than Tampax. I do not use the ones without the applicators because for me they are agony to insert.

[eenie.livejournal.com]

where did you get free samples from? i've been wanting to try the ones without applicators for awhile, but i don't want to spend money on them if i don't like them. (i'm cheap ;-p)

[sadhe-sati.livejournal.com]

Well, I got mine from this free giftbag that I got for signing up for a seventeen magazine subscription.. I'd imagine you could probably get some at their site though.. If I actually knew what the address to that is, I'd give it to you...lol.. There's a phone number on the pack that may have some information on it though.. It's 1-877-454-7843... Hope you can get some.. (tampons, that is..heh..) Talk to you later...

[sadhe-sati.livejournal.com]

Hey, thank you guys for all the advice and info! I think I'm gonna try them, but just be very careful. My mom still says that there's an increased risk of TSS with these tampons, but seeing all the people in here who use them and don't have problems and actually prefer them, I don't think they can really be that dangerous. Well, talk to you all later

[eyelid.livejournal.com]

not to put too fine a point on it-- your mom is completely wrong.

TSS is caused by a bacteria that is already in your vagina (and other places on the body). It has nothing to do with bacteria from your hands.

Here's some info on TSS (http://www.toxicshock.com/).

here's some more. (http://www.mckinley.uiuc.edu/health-info/womenhlt/tox-shoc.html) It's thought that hyperabsorbant tampons encourage the growth of the Staph bacteria and thus cause TSS, but it's not completely certain.